California Housing Information for Ukrainian Arrivals (January 2025)

Yundi Ma, Bachelor's in Business 

© International Foundation for World Freedom 

January 10, 2025

California Housing Information for Ukrainian Arrivals (January 2025) 

Access to a home is a fundamental right for Ukrainian refugees. This article will present several  housing options in California. The information provided is the most up-to-date with current  California government and local city policies. 

It is essential to have a valid sponsorship provided by the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program  (USRAP) to find an eligible host. The instructions to file an application are here: Instructions for  Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The formal application is here:  Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. To bring family or other  relatives, this is the petition form:I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition.  

Below is a list of current websites that will assist in directly finding shelter. The resources will be  split into direct and immediate help, and the other half will be a list of organizations and websites  that may be contacted for further assistance. Each link provided will have access to the page  resource. 

Direct and Immediate Help: 

● I Can Help Host is a website to find a place to stay. There is a search bar to enter the location to find a temporary host. Typing California may present some voluntary hosts.  ● Airbnb is funding short-term housing by allowing local residents to be hosts. This  website functions similarly to the other ones listed above. Once eligibility is met, the  application process will be available. For eligibility information, read here: Eligibility for emergency stays through Airbnb.org.  

● Ukraina Space offers a search bar to find a location to temporarily live. There is a search  bar to find housing in California with provided information on the home and duration of  stay. Currently, there isn't any available housing in California. 

● Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego offers one-time financial assistance for settling in the United States, home study/ post release services, and migrant respite shelter. To contact them, please call 619 287-9454. 

● Nova Ukraine provides free emergency accommodations for Ukrainian citizens for periods ranging from one to a few months. Its emergency housing team also helps connect individuals to available programs and rental assistance. The website includes a list of both short-term and long-term housing resources.

Organizations and Other Resources: 

● 211LA has a web page that features a resettlement program through the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Office in Glendale, California. An appointment call is required to receive more information. 

● FindHello offers a web page to find services such as legal help, resettlement, housing and food in local communities across the United States. 

● California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation provides legal support related to citizenship and immigration law. An appointment call is required for more information. 

● Refugee Housing provides detailed information and guidance for refugees and newcomers on navigating sponsorship models and securing rental housing.